Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 73P Fragments

Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 73P Fragments - ASO Images

Following are four (4) CCD images (SBIG ST-0402-ME Kodak chip) of the breakup components "B", "C" (original comet), "G", and "R" in order below.

These fragments, following in the path of the original comet, are increasing in brightness and the two primary brightest components will likely be visible to the naked eye in May (see the MAY issue of Sky and Telescope. This remarkable comet has now expanded into over 20 identified fragments.

As of April 8, 2006, the morning these images were taken through the new ASO 0.41m Astrographic RC telescope at ASO Petit Jean (H45), their brightnesses were as follows:

Component B - magnitude 9.7
Component C - magnitude 9.9
Component G - magnitude 11.8
Component R - magnitude 16.4

Of interest here are several issues:

1) the two primary components, B and C, seem to be equally active and bright, with similar morphological appearances;
2) component "G" has seen a remarkable brightening starting on or about April 6, this also being reported at ASO on that date;
3) component "R" appears to be splitting, this also first reported by ASO on April 6.

Stay tuned to ASO for futher developments on this remarkable comet!

NOTE: in all images following NORTH is at top; field of view is 17.8' x 12' arc, each image is a combination of FOUR 30-sec. CCD images stacked, dark framed, but no further post-processing